Exhibitors Herald (Apr-Jun 1922)

Equipment Progress That the radiophone stacks up as a possible competitor of the motion picture theatre is a theory that has been advanced from several directions recently. The idea is that the installation of radio receiving sets in homes generally, would keep the family at the fireside, obtaining their amusement at home in the form of concerts, lectures and the like which are broadcasted. However, we cannot coincide with this view. As a competitor to the motion picture house we do not believe the radio is to be taken seriously. At least not after the novelty wears off. Can you imagine your patrons sitting home listening to La Tosca or Thais in some foreign language, or eating up a lecture on Einstein's theory of relativity when you are showing Charlie Chaplin ; Mary Pickford or Doug Fairbanks, et al at your theatre? As a feature of home entertainment the radiophone, if it is adopted universally to a great extent in the homes, will undoubtedly occupy the same position as the phonograph — and surely the phonograph isn't regarded as a competitor of films. At that, while the radio is a novelty, as it is just now, a number of exhibitors are capitalizing on the interest in it by furnishing radio music in their theatres. That, we believe, is the showman's angle. While the public is greatly interested in the radio, give it to them in the theatre, at least until the novelty wears off. And it has been proven that while the thing is new it is proving a big box office attraction. Position of Organ Important Consideration in Playhouse Vice-President of Skinner Organ Company Explains Installation Arrangement That Generalizes Tone Effect Throughout Building By ERNEST M. SKINNER Vice-president, Skinner Organ Company In a motion picture theatre in my neighborhood the organ is placed in what would be, in an ordinary theatre, an upper box directly adjacent to the end of the balcony. This organ has a wretched blatant tone so that people sitting anywhere near the ' organ in the balcony are put under great discomfort. This is the case almost without exception in motion picture organ installations. The auditorium installation is usually confronted by an equally awkward problem. The organ is usually put behind the proscenium and curtain on one side of the stage. Aids Tone Effect The drawings shown on page 88 offer a solution to the vexed question of the location of the organ in both the auditorium and the motion picture theatre. It is placed within the proscenium itself on either side behind grilles which form the splay of the proscenium. The proscenium grille is placed at an angle of about 45 degrees which makes the wall of the organ chamber next the curtain considerably longer than the wall next to the balcony. This extra length of wall tends to prevent the tone of the organ from going back into the stage when the curtain is up. The organ chambers go straight to the top of the building and across the center portion of the proscenium, thereby forming a very useful acoustic chamber which serves to tie the two chambers together acoustically. Result Is Agreeable The effect of the tone from an organ so placed is never offensive to those seated in the balcony. The general effect of the tone as to location is about the same as that of a speaker in the center front of the stage. The acoustic chamber assists in making the tone general to the entire building. It is perfectly agreeable to anyone sitting near the grille on one side of the house. The effect of the organ is precisely the same whether the curtain is up or down. The stage appurtenances in no way concern or interfere with the organ. The organ chamber should be no less than 11 feet in depth reckoned on a line parallel with the side of the building. Is Solution of Problem The organ can be used with orchestra or opera whether the orchestra is on the stage or in the orchestra pit. This position is the one existing in the case of the Portland, Oregon, Auditorium and is a solution of the problem which has been met with in so many theatre installations and which has remained, in most cases, a permanent cause of dissatisfaction. Here Is a Sure Way to Get a Plentiful Supply Of Fresh Air in House Peter Schaefer, of Jones, Linick and Schaefer, who operate a number of motion picture theatres is a strong believer in ventilation and fresh air for the playhouse. In fact it is his opinion that this is the most important feature of a theatre. In view of this it is not unusual that Mr. Schaefer should have in mind, an innovation which would insure the patrons of his new theatre, to be built on the site of the present McVickers, Chicago, the utmost amount of fresh air and circulation. His idea was a removable roof for the entire building, which on a hot summer night would enable the audience to enjoy the performance under the cool sky and the stars. "It would have worked automatically" said Mr. Schaefer, "by the simple means of pressing a button. However, I have been informed that Chicago's soot and smoke would make it impracticable because it would ruin the interior of the theatre. I am strong for ventilation and venture to predict that the new theatre on Madison street will contain some unusual and effective features along this line." Improvements Planned for Stanley Playhouse Thousands of dollars will be spent in improving the Plaza theatre, Philadelphia, an interest in which has been obtained by the Stanley Company of America, according to Jules E. Mastbaum, president. These improvements include such features as an entire new seating arrangement, with latest improved opera chairs; new ventilating system, latest type crystal screen, modern waiting rooms for men and women and new decorations and draperies. In fact it is said that the theatre will be virtually new in everything except name.